Stupid -- Word for the Day -- Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Stupid

1 a: slow of mind : obtuse b: given to unintelligent decisions or acts : acting in an unintelligent or careless manner c: lacking intelligence or reason : brutish
2: dulled in feeling or sensation
3: marked by or resulting from unreasoned thinking or acting : senseless 4 a: lacking interest or point

Wanted to give you an update about my sister-in-law that was placed in ICU on Thursday at UAMS. She has a very serious lung infection and has low oxygen levels. This has caused her to lose her motor skills (use of hands, lifting of head and even her eye lids). She does, however, continue to eat well, with assistance.

She still has the oxygen mask on that resembles a ventilator. Her only responses are yes and no. This morning she was able to tell my brother that she loved him. He has done remarkably well. He has stepped up to the plate in relation to her care, speaking with the doctors and suggesting tests, food, oxygen, etc. He has not once been emotional, as in the past. He has stayed the night with her, too.

For those of you not knowing, Sharon had brain surgery in October when my mom had her stroke. The surgery revealed a malignant brain tumor and after further tests, showed she had lung cancer and cancer in other areas of her body. With massive radiation and chemo treatments, she has had great difficulty. Each chemo treatment resulted in her kidneys trying to shut down which had her admitted to the hospital several times. This time seemed to be even worse.

We do not have great hopes for this visit, but with each day we do see some improvement for some things and a setback on other areas. If she is released, I really see a possibility of her having to be placed in a nursing facility.

Her family was called in this weekend and travelled from Louisiana, Atlanta and Mississippi. She was able to see her six week old granddaughter for the first time. They will all be gone today.

My brother also has to deal with the care of their adopted 7 yr old granddaughter that was ill last week and discovered to have infatigo. His daughter took up her care at the end of the week.

Mike has been a wheelchair victim since 1997 and he seems to be famous for running the halls of UAMS in his hovaround. I am amazed at the strength he has displayed this last week. He continues to grieve for my mother and this could be the breaking point for him if Sharon doesn’t make it. She is 52 years old.

Please pray for him that he might be given some relief, encouragement and peace. Please pray for Sharon and her improvement, if that will be God’s will. She has suffered so much without muttering any complaints of pain, self pity, discouragement or anger.

They have been married for 36 years.

On another Stupid note. I asked the son on Sunday to help me move some plants in huge pots out of the sun to under the front porch stoop. He forgot... Sooooooo, Ms Perfect (that would be Pepper) thought she would just do it herself. Why not? I have done heavier things. But, these were flooded from the rain. I instantly knew I couldn't lift them so I scooted the pot about 1 in. Immediately, I felt my lower back tear. I got nauseated and my knees became weak. I saw my life flash before my eyes. My life, as in -- motorcycle, mowing the yard, weedeating, moving furniture, playing WII... You get the picture.

So, the son and ChemoSabe begin to tell me within the first hour of how stupid I was. I have to tell you, ChemoSabe has never told me or ANYONE else I am stupid. Well, I am no better today. I have a doctor's appt. on Thursday. I have never hurt in my back so badly. I really want to go to Branson next week for that motorcycle rally..

ChemoSabe is finally getting results from his NyQuil. His coughing at night is better and he is resting better. Still getting up early, early. We have done better about our resting. We continue to sit on our bed after work and talk over the day. That is much better than turning on the TV downstairs and trying to talk around it and the four kids, the parrot and our two new little zebra finches.

Oh, Yes... Ms Stupid got two more pets. The are about 2 in. long. They came from the nursing home where mom was. They quack like two little ducklings or chipmunks... They are full grown.

Well, Kids... better get to work. Please continue to pray for Sharon and Mike.

Good afternoon and Love -- Pepper